DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I returned home the 12th inst., after an absence of about ten weeks, in which time I visited and labored in the following places: Boston, Lynn, Mass., Providence, R. I., Worcester, Springfield, Chicopee, Chester Factory, Mass., and Jawbuck, Conn. In Providence, R. I., we found that opposition to the truth had weakened the minds of some since our last visit there, while some others are progressing and rejoicing in the same.
Much opposition has been manifested in Springfield since the brethren decided to keep the Sabbath last Winter. They have been enabled to hold on to the strong arm of the Lord, and wax stronger and stronger. Some others are examining the subject, and doubtless will embrace it. They are calculating on the promised Conference in August, with many others in the region round about. In Chicopee, Jawbuck and Chester Factory, the interest is increasing.
May 11th we commenced a series of meetings in Ashfield, Mass., and continued laboring there, and in Hawley, over two Sabbaths. We found the church in Ashfield divided with respect to the time of commencing the Sabbath. Some advocated the commencing of the day in the morning, while others adhered to the Bible rule to commence all days in the week with the evening, or even, the twelfth hour of the day. The Lord answered prayer in blessing the sick, after confessing the Sabbath truth. This opened the way for another one of the same family to commence keeping the Sabbath. Praise the Lord. Nine willing, obedient disciples of the Lord were buried in baptism at the close of the meetings.
From Ashfield, we passed to Jamaica, Vt. In this rocky, mountainous, uncultivated section of Vermont, we spent several days, visiting and holding meetings with the scattered families who had embraced the message of the third angel, under the ministration of Brn. Wheeler and Day. They seemed truly glad to hear more about the divine law of God, and the glorious promises to those who obey it. Poor children, they were famishing for the truth in the last message of mercy. One precious youth found peace in believing. Four others, heads of families, decided to keep the Sabbath, while eight more admitted the truth, but did not fully take their stand at the time. Eleven also, were baptized into the death of the Lord Jesus, from henceforward to walk in newness of life.
From Jamaica we came to Fitchburg and Luninburg, June 2d. In the latter place we had a short but very interesting interview with Bro. and Sr. Heath, their children, and some friends. I had not seen this Bro. and Sr. since the Littleton, Mass. Camp Meeting, in 1842. I learned that they take the Review and are examining the Sabbath question. Before the Advent doctrine, he was a Methodist preacher. I hope yet to meet them under the banner of the third angel. He seems in sober earnest in search for all the truth. Our meetings in Fitchburg, Sabbath and First-day, were at Bro. and Sr. Pike's, who manifest a deep interest for their neighbors. A few admitted the truth. One Sister who seemed deeply convicted, said, I am going to consult my minister and know what he thinks about the seventh-day Sabbath.
June 6th, visited Lowell, and from thence to Nashua, N. H. In L. we found a few who were willing to listen to the last message of mercy. Extra exertions are being made in the two last named places, and vicinity, by a party of Adventists proclaiming what they call the true Midnight cry, with the ending of the days, and the coming of the Lord. This false excitement on time leads the mind directly from the true message which God has before the minds of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord Jesus. How strange that Advent people, above all others, should be continually inventing something new to excite men's minds and draw them away from the only truth whereby the Lord can cleanse them from all sin, that they may be found in a saved state at the second coming of the Lord Jesus.31In Nashua we met with a hearty welcome from Bro. and Sr. Colburn, who are striving to keep all the commandments of God, and all the testimony of Jesus Christ. Amid all the opposition that exists in Nashua against the third angel's message, one young man had been induced to take the Review and examine it and read some of the publications on the Sabbath. He called himself an infidel. About this time he was much afflicted with his left hand. A few days before I saw him he had to have his hand amputated. He called on the Lord in his deep trial, and found relief and peace to his mind. After explaining the third angel's message, and about to leave him the last time, he acknowledged that he had received much light on the divine law, and said I am now determined to keep all of God's commandments from hence forward.—This is in accordance with the promise of God by the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, [see Chap. lvi, 1, 6, 7,] and harmonizes with the cleansing, or work of atonement. Lev. xvi, 29, 30.
June 11th and 12th, Sabbath and First-day, we enjoyed interesting seasons with our dear brethren in Boston. The Lord is strengthening and encouraging them, and they are showing their faith by their works. Their new place of meeting in West Castle street No. 25 is commodious and pleasant. Four were buried in baptism on First-day and were strengthened in the Lord.
Our dear brethren in Fairhaven, and Dartmouth are settled in all the commandments of the Lord, and are pressing their way toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I sympathize with you in the loss of your dear brother, taken so suddenly from your midst. My prayer is that this bereavement may be sanctified to you and his dear Parents, brothers and sisters, and the household from whom he was removed, for good. From the statement you have given of his obedience to God in keeping all his commandments, you mourn not as those that have no hope. He only rests for a little while and will soon be called to take his place with the 144000 on the Mount Zion with Jesus.—The sister that is left with you must feel his loss most keenly, also your father and mother. I hope this sad trial will be sanctified to them in an especial manner, by leading them to embrace the third angel's message, and be fully prepared for their great and last change.
JOSEPH BATES.
Fairhaven, June 18th, 1853.